Malaria

About Malaria:

• It is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• It is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries.
• Transmission
  • It is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another; the disease is transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • Five species of parasites can cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat.
• Symptoms
  • The first symptoms of malaria usually begin within 10–15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.
  • Fever, headache and chills are typically experienced, though these symptoms may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria.
  • In malaria endemic areas, people who have developed partial immunity may become infected but experience no symptoms.
• Prevention:
  • Vector control interventions: Vector control is the main approach to prevent malaria and reduce transmission.
• Treatment:
  • It is preventable and curable.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease and prevents deaths, and also contributes to reducing transmission.

Q1: What is Plasmodium falciparum?

It is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for the most pathogenic form of human malaria. The particular virulence of this parasite derives from its ability to develop within the erythrocytes of its host and to subvert their function.

News: Egypt becomes 2nd country in 2024 to be declared ‘malaria-free’